How Are Families Adjusting to Rising Prices? Here Are 8 Ideas

The rising cost of living is no longer just a headline. It is something Filipino families feel every day, at the grocery, at the gas station, and even in monthly bills that keep going up. Add fears of supply disruptions, power interruptions, and global instability, and many households now live with a low but constant sense of uncertainty.

Inside homes, parents are responding in ways that are both practical and intentional. In the 117,000-strong Smart Parenting Village community, moms and dads share how they are adjusting, stretching budgets, and quietly building safety nets for their families, one small decision at a time.

For many parents, preparation starts with small, consistent habits.

“Unti-unti akong nag-i-stock ng de lata, ’yung food na gusto ng mga bata,” one mom shares. What begins as a few extra cans turns into a system over time. She now keeps 20 water containers in rotation, refilling each one as soon as it empties. She has also prepared a charcoal stove, sacks of coal, rechargeable fans, and solar lights. “Ang priority ko ay may makain, may electric fan at ilaw… may genset (generator set) din kami na naka-ready.”

Another parent takes a similar approach, focusing on bulk essentials but with limits. “Ako, nag-i-stock na ng canned goods, rice, and usual na ginagamit in big sizes like oil, soy sauce, vinegar, shampoo, good for four weeks.” She also prepares for interruptions. “I bought solar lights just in case may rotational blackout, butane gas just in case maubusan ng gas for cooking.”

At the same time, she keeps spending in check. “As much as possible, we lessen our expenses by buying only the basic needs, no wants for now.” She also sets aside emergency cash. “Nag-i-stock ng cash just enough to buy our needs, just in case non-functional ang ATM.”

Some parents also remind each other to limit going out, while bundling errands into one trip to save time and transportation costs, and even skipping optional expenses like summer classes when budgets are tight.

One thing parents agree on is this. Preparation should not come at the expense of others.

“No to hoarding, pero weekly nagdadagdag ako ng grocery. Family of three kami. Ang goal ko is [to stock up on] food for two to three months,” one mom explains. Instead of buying everything at once, she builds her supply slowly. She keeps a sack of rice, candles, matches, and a rechargeable fan with light.

Another community member points out how collective discipline matters in times like this: “If ang mga tao ay hindi mag-ho-hoard at ma-a-allocate ng tama ang fuel sa necessities lang, kakayanin.”

Preparation today goes beyond groceries. Parents are thinking about how their homes will function if systems fail.

Water is a major concern. “Add more clean drinking water, since ’pag walang kuryente, wala ring water stations na mag-ooperate,” one mom explains.

Electricity is another concern. Rechargeable fans, solar lights, and powerbanks are becoming more essential than ever. One parent, who works from home, shares how this affects her setup. “I invested in a power station… we have existing powerbanks din.” With seven people in the household, backups are necessary. “Nag-backup talaga ako… WFH ako, essential siya.”

Cooking methods are also changing. Some families conserve LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) by switching to alternatives. “Saka na lang gamitin yung LPG ’pag may brownout na lang,” one parent says, explaining how they save gas for emergencies.

One SPV member also replied on IG Stories, sharing that they have shifted toward more homecooked meals:

There is also a mindset shift around food. “Mag-umpisa na to discipline [the kids] sa food. Huwag mag-aksaya,” one parent advises. Learning to conserve and make the most of what is available becomes part of daily life.

Even transportation is being adjusted. “’Yung sasakyan, we do not use unless emergency,” another parent shares.

Amid all the talk of food and supplies, one reminder stands out. Getting sick does not stop during difficult times.

“Please also include healthcare planning. Illness and healthcare is not optional during crisis,” one parent says.

For many families, this means stocking up on medicines and planning for medical expenses. “Nag-ready na rin kami ng two months worth of maintenance meds,” one shares. Another lists their basics. “Prep for meds. Paracetamol, vitamins, pain meds, wound medication.”

Some also emphasize financial readiness. Emergency funds for hospital bills, access to HMOs, and keeping cash on hand all become part of the plan.

Some parents are going a step further by trying to become less dependent on external systems.

“We’ve started planting. Kamoteng kahoy, kamote, saging, and vegetables,” one parent shares. Another admits it takes effort. “Wala akong green thumb pero nagawa ko naman for malunggay. Garlic and ginger. Medyo matagal lang.”

One member also shared: “We already started hydroponics sa bahay. Nagtatanim na kami ng lettuce and pechay.” Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil, using water and nutrient solutions instead, which makes it possible to grow vegetables even in small home spaces.

In the middle of all these changes, what stands out is how families cope up by turning everyday routines into a form of preparation that keeps life grounded and moving forward.

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